EP3174734B1 - Multi-layer composite for a security and/or value document and method for producing same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a multi-layer composite for a security and / or value document, which consists of at least one fiber composite layer and applied on both sides of the fiber composite layer layers of a thermoplastic polymer. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing such a multilayer composite.

From the EP 1 502 765 B1 is a booklet with a personalized data sheet known. This data sheet consists of a flexible layer, which is connected on both sides with a data carrier. The flexible layer is formed by a textile, wherein mesh openings of the textile form breakthroughs, through which the data carriers connect with one another during lamination and connect the flexible layer.

From the EP 1 592 565 B1 is a data sheet for a value and / or security document is known in which between two overlapping sheets forming a data page, a tab is introduced, wherein in the tab openings are provided so that when laminating the sheets in the openings of the Form tab connecting webs.

From the WO 2006/097276 A1 is a data sheet for inclusion in a passport known which comprises an open-pored fabric grid between two layers of plastic. The width of the grid mesh of the fabric grid is larger than the diameter of the yarn.

From the EP 2 487 029 A1 is a composite joint foil known. This comprises a fabric layer which is completely filled by a molten thermoplastic.

From the WO 2012/072214 A1 a data carrier with a label is known, in which slots are introduced into a paper substrate, wherein the paper substrate is covered with an upper and a lower film.

In the case of these data sheets, the focus is on permanently and inextricably linking the two outer layers with the interposition of a laminated layer.

The invention has for its object to propose a multi-layer structure or multi-layer composite, in which targeted break points occur in the case of manipulation of the multi-layer structure or multi-layer composite. Furthermore, the invention has for its object to propose a method for producing such a multi-layer structure.

The problem underlying the invention is achieved by the multi-layer composite defined in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the layers of thermoplastic polymer, between which the at least one fiber composite layer is laminated or glued, 0.5 to 1.5 times the diameter or the correspond to minimum width of the perforation holes in the fiber composite layer. By this specific dimensioning of the thickness of the layers or cover layers to the fiber composite layer is made possible that in a manipulation, which provides a cleavage of the layer of thermoplastic polymer of the fiber composite layer, uncontrolled break points in the layer arise. Due to the size ratios of the diameter or the minimum width of the perforation hole or the diameter or the minimum width of the connecting web formed therein to the thickness of the layer, a reinforced zone in the layer are formed in the transition region from the connecting web to the layer, so that upon detachment of the layer in it adjacent area due to the notch effect forms a break point, which also breaks uncontrolled. By selecting the aspect ratio between the diameter of the perforation hole, ie the thickness of the connecting web to the thickness of the layer of thermoplastic polymer, it is also achieved that the connecting web is maintained in the fiber composite layer.

Preferably, in order to form a predetermined breaking point during a manipulation of the multilayer composite, it is provided that the diameter or the minimum width of the perforation hole is at least 0.5 times the thickness having the fiber composite layer. Preferably, the diameter or the minimum width is 1 to 4 times the thickness of the fiber composite layer. As a result, the rigidity and tensile strength of the connecting web can be ensured in the perforation hole.

The geometry of the perforation holes for forming the connecting webs may be round, oval, angular, linear or strip-shaped. As a result, security features provided in or on the layer can be additionally improved.

It is preferably provided that perforation holes with the same diameter or the same size of the selected geometry are introduced into the fiber composite layer. As a result, uniform coverage can be achieved over an entire data or title page.

For the formation of the multi-layer composite, a fiber composite layer is preferably used, which consists of a random fiber substrate, which is made of natural and / or synthetic fibers.

The at least one layer of thermoplastic polymer placed on the fiber composite layer is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene glycol terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, polyethylene, in particular PET-G, polypropylene, polyimide or poly-trans-isoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, Polyacrylate and methacrylate, vinyl esters, ABS and copolymers of such polymers.

The perforation holes in the fiber composite layer are preferably arranged on an area adjacent to the fiber composite layer printed image area and / or within the printed image. As a result, such security-relevant areas as, for example, portraits or optically active security features or the like can be additionally secured.

A preferred embodiment of the multi-layer composite provides that at least the region of the fiber composite layer covered by the printed image is impregnated with a potting compound at least in regions to change the opacity of the fiber composite layer the at least partially impregnating the fiber composite layer, in particular by an at least partially impregnation of the fiber composite layer, with the potting compound is a see-through feature is formed. Due to the at least partial or at least partial impregnation of the fiber composite layer with the potting compound, the light-scattering property of the fiber composite layer is reduced as a function of the potting compound, so that opaque areas of the fiber composite layer can be converted by the potting compound into partially transparent areas or transparent areas. This can create a visual feature. Thus, the print image can not only be viewed from the data side in reflected light, but is also made visible on the front page. In this case, the printed image may preferably be visible in reflected light from the title page, so that the printed image can be viewed from the rear side thereof. However, at least can be visible in the transmitted light through the impregnation of the fiber composite layer with the potting the printed image. This review feature thus makes it possible that any manipulations on the data page by pasting, covering or overpainting of the printed image from the title page can be detected in a simple manner, since then the deviations from the introduced printed image will be obvious.

"Print image" is understood to mean a structured or full-surface print reproduction in any manner. As a structured print reproduction, for example, an image, such as a passport photograph or portrait or a graphic print reproduction, such as guilloches or a background grid or alphanumeric characters or a one or two-dimensional barcode, emblem, crests, national emblems or any other print reproduction, come into consideration. By introducing the amount or the proportion of the potting compound in a predetermined range or at a predetermined point in the fiber composite layer, the opacity of the fiber composite layer can be changed. By an increasing filling of the gaps in the fiber composite layer with a preferably clear potting compound, an increasing light transmittance can be created, so that not only transition areas between a opacity and a partial transparency are possible, but also a complete transparency can be achieved. In this case, a complete saturation of the fiber composite layer is given by the potting compound.

Advantageously, the fiber composite layer is impregnated with a transparent potting compound and has fibers with a refractive index which are approximately equal to or identical to the refractive index of the potting compound. Due to the incorporation of the potting compound in the fiber composite layer an air displacement between the individual fibers of the fiber composite layer is achieved in the introduced area, so that no air scattering occurs through the air bubbles and thus a semi-transparent or transparent or translucent effect can be adjusted and achieved.

Preferably, at least the region of the fiber composite layer covered by the printed image is at least partially impregnated with a potting compound in the planar direction of extent of the data sheet and completely over the thickness of the fiber composite layer. As a result, for example, in the case of an imprinted coat of arms or insignia, which is created by a line structure, the impregnation of the potting compound can run along the line structure, so that only the line structure is visible in the transmitted light and possibly also in reflected light. For example, a covered area can be completely covered by a full-surface portrait with the potting compound. It is also conceivable that the potting compound forms an outer edge around the flat print image. Depending on the printed image and the desired effect targeted hedging can also be made possible by individual areas of the printed image on targeted darkening or brightening by means of such a potting compound.

The potting compound may consist of a thermoplastic polymer, such as UV or thermally crosslinking acrylate, on or two-component PUR, transparent hot melt adhesives or a thermoplastic. Likewise, it is also possible to use thermoplastic polymers which have a low viscosity at the processing temperature (PEtg). The potting compound is preferably made of a clear or crystal clear material.

Preferably, the at least one layer of a polymer is transparent. Thus, the viewing of the printed image from the front page in the transmitted light as well as in reflected light can be favored. Alternatively, this additional layer on the title page may also be only partially transparent or have darkening in the area of the printed image, in order to achieve specific superimpositions or completions of the image in interaction with the printed image in order to detect manipulations more easily with the naked eye without technical aids.

Furthermore, the potting compound may contain materials from the group consisting of color pigments, effect pigments, optically variable pigments and / or luminescent substances or pigments or fluorescent substances or pigments. This can be given an additional increase in the security against counterfeiting.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a defined in claim 10 method for producing a multi-layer structure.

It is preferably provided that the perforation holes are introduced into the fiber composite layer by means of laser processing or punching.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the fiber composite layer is impregnated or impregnated with a binder before joining the layers of thermoplastic polymer to the fiber composite layer or that a stroke is applied. By impregnation with binder, an improved connection between the fiber composite layer and layers can be made possible. By applying a stroke, an improved printability of the fiber composite layer can be made possible before the application and bonding of the layers to the fiber composite layer.

Furthermore, in the production of a multi-layer composite it can be provided that at least the region of the fiber composite layer covered by the printed image is at least partially soaked with a potting compound for the area-wise change of the opacity of the fiber composite layer and at least one see-through feature is formed. By such a local or partial impregnation of the fiber composite layer by means of a potting compound, an individual embodiment of a see-through feature can be created, which is diverse in structure and structure, shape or geometry and can be adapted to the printed image. By impregnating the potting compound, the scattering property of fibers of the fiber composite layer is reduced and / or eliminated, so that thereby the degree of transparency is adjustable and the applied to the fiber composite layer printed image at least in the transmitted light, advantageously in incident light, visible.

Furthermore, a filler is applied or introduced onto and / or into the fiber composite layer in the regions which are not supposed to be transparent, so that there is an increased transparency of the fiber composite layer in this region. Kaolin, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate and the like may be used as fillers, for example, in particular in order to achieve full surface filling.

Preferably, before impregnating the fiber composite layer and introducing the potting compound into the fiber composite layer, it is thinned out in at least that region. Subsequently, the printed image is applied to this thinned area, for example from the data side, and subsequently to the title page Potting compound applied so that it can penetrate into the fiber composite layer. Thereby, the thickness of the fiber composite layer and thus the amount of potting compound to be introduced to achieve a see-through effect can be reduced.

The application of the potting compound in the fiber composite layer can be applied with a printing technology, in particular an inkjet technology. As a result, both fine structures and larger areas of the fiber composite layer can be soaked. Furthermore, all printing methods of high, low, low and high pressure can be used. Preferably, a screen printing, a flexographic printing, a doctor blade, a roll coating or the like is used.

The object underlying the invention is further solved by a value and / or security document, which comprises a multi-layer composite according to one of the embodiments described above.

• Figur 1 eine schematische Ansicht auf einen Mehrschichtverbund eines Sicherheits- und/oder Wertdokumentes,
• Figur 2 eine schematische Schnittansicht des Mehrschichtverbundes gemäß Figur 1,
• Figur 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Mehrschichtverbundes gemäß Figur 1 bei einer Manipulation,
• Figur 4 eine schematische Ansicht eines Druckbereichs mit einem Druckbild zugeordneten Verbindungsstegen,
• Figur 5 eine schematische Ansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform zu Figur 4.

The invention and further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof are described in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings and explained. The features to be taken from the description and the drawings can be applied individually according to the invention or to a plurality of them in any combination as far as this is covered by the scope of the claims. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a schematic view of a multi-layer composite of a security and / or value document,
• FIG. 2 a schematic sectional view of the multilayer composite according to FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 a perspective view of the multilayer composite according to FIG. 1 in a manipulation,
• FIG. 4 a schematic view of a printing area with a printed image associated connecting webs,
• FIG. 5 a schematic view of an alternative embodiment to FIG. 4 ,

In FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a multi-layer composite 11 is shown. This multi-layer composite 11 can be designed, for example, as a data card, in particular as a passport or bank card. Alternatively, this multilayer composite can also be designed as an insert sheet with a tab.

In FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the structure of the multi-layer composite 11 is shown. This comprises at least one fiber composite layer 12, which forms a core layer. At least one layer 14, 15 of thermoplastic polymer is provided on each side of this fiber composite layer 12 and connected to the fiber composite layer 12. On a data page 16, which in FIG. 1 is shown, a personalization area may be provided in which, for example, the name of the holder 18 and a printed image 19 is applied or printed in a printing area 20. Furthermore, further security features such as, for example, a tilting image 21 or holograms can be applied to or in the layer 14, and / or guilloching 22. In addition, a further data field 23 can be provided for introducing a number of a company identification or the like.

The data page 16 opposite the title page 17 is provided, which may also be provided with security features. For example, a hologram strip and / or a secondary image or other security features may be provided.

The fiber composite layer 12 may consist of a random arrangement of fibers of natural and / or synthetic fibers such as a flat fiber bundle, a fiber network, a flat fiber array. Preferably, a felt, a nonwoven, a paper or cellulose-containing layer is provided. Alternatively, the fiber composite layer may also consist of a woven, knitted, knitted, braided, stitchbonded or textile fabric. Preferably, the fiber composite layer consists of a random fiber substrate, which may advantageously be impregnated with a solvent or binder. In this case, preference is given to using an organic binder which is a polycarbonate derivative.

The layer of thermoplastic polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of PC (polycarbonate), PET (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer), PE (polyethylene), PP (propylene), PI (polyimide) or Polytrans-isoprene, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyacrylate, methacrylate, vinyl esters, ABS and copolymers of such polymers.

The fiber composite layer 12 comprises perforation holes 26 that extend completely through the thickness of the fiber composite layer 12. These perforation holes 26 may be arranged at regular intervals or irregularly to each other or form certain patterns or structures and be provided in the fiber composite layer 12. Preferably, all perforation holes 26 have the same diameter.

By laminating the layers 14, 15 to the fiber composite layer 12, connecting webs 27 are formed in the perforation holes 26 through the layers 14, 15, by means of which the layers 14, 15 are connected to one another. Furthermore, it can be provided that the layers 14, 15 are bonded to the fiber composite layer 12 and also form a material connection between the upper and lower layers 14, 15 via the connecting webs 27.

Before joining the layer 14, 15 to the fiber composite layer 12, a complete impregnation of the fiber composite layer 12 with a potting compound 33 can take place in the pressure region 20 arranged in the printed image 19 so that the region of the fiber composite layer 12 adjacent to the pressure region 20 both with respect to the planar direction of extent as well as in terms of thickness is completely soaked. As a result, such a printed image 19 is visible in incident light, in particular when the layer 17 is transparent. Alternatively, an impregnation of the fiber composite layer 12 with the potting compound 33 can take place in adjacent regions or intermediate regions between the geometric shapes or lines. Alternatively, the saturation can image the lines of the printed image 19, in turn, to create a transparency feature.

The potting compound 33 can be output by a printing technology, in particular inkjet technology, targeted from a printhead.

The potting compound 33 is preferably made of crosslinking clear acrylates or polyurethanes. As potting compound 33, all clear potting compounds and adhesives can be used, which have a low viscosity at a processing temperature. The potting compound 33 consists in particular of PEtg. As an alternative to potting compound 33, a hotmelt adhesive patch (for example punched part made of clear PETG or transparent PC) can also be applied and heated under pressure and thus impregnated with this melt.

Depending on the proportion of the potting compound 33 within the fiber composite layer 12 with respect to the thickness of the fiber composite layer 12, the transparency of the fiber composite layer 12 may be adjustable to provide smooth transitions from opacity of the fiber composite layer 12 to a semi-transparent region or to a transparent region and can be adjusted.

In FIG. 1 Furthermore, a flower or crest is shown as a print image 19. In the printing area 20 of the print image 19 designed as a coat of arms, the fiber composite layer 12 can be thinned out. After the thinning of the printing area 20, for example, the coat of arms is printed. Subsequently, according to this illustrated embodiment, an introduction of the potting compound 33 is made to the effect that it reflects the line of the coat of arms. Consequently, a line-shaped impregnation is made possible at least in partial areas of the coat of arms, wherein in areas in which lines are close together, a sheet-like impregnation can result.

In the embodiment of the multi-layer composite 11 as a data carrier, such as an identity card or an access card in ID3 format, it is preferably provided that the outer layers 14, 15 form a circumferential closed edge, so that the fiber composite layer 12 completely enclosed and the circumferential Edge is formed by the lamination of the two layers 14, 15 directly to each other.

If the multi-layer composite 11 is formed as an insert sheet for a book-like value and / or security document, the data page 16 is followed by a tab which is formed by the fiber composite layer 12 with one or both layers 14, 15 or by at least one layer 14, 15 can be. Alternatively, a strip-shaped tab can also be inserted between the two layers 14, 15 and adjoin the fiber composite layer 12 in the region of the data side 16.

In FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multi-layer structure 11 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in which a manipulation is carried out in which the upper layer 14 is to be removed by peeling or splitting from the fiber composite layer 12. In this case, targeted break points 29 are generated in the peeled layer 14, which form the break point 29 in the layer 14, for example, as holes with an uncontrolled border. By a defined predetermined breaking point 31 in the transition region between the connecting web 27 and the layer 14, 15 a maximum damage during peeling of the layer 14, 15 is generated.

This defined break point 31 is achieved by selecting an aspect ratio between the diameter of the perforation hole 26 or of the connecting web 27 and the thickness of the layer 14, 15. Preferably, the layer thickness of the layer 14, 15 carries 0.5 to 1.5 times the diameter of the connecting web 27 and the perforation 26th Furthermore, this defined predetermined breaking point 31 by the aspect ratio between the thickness of the fiber composite layer 12 and the diameter of the perforation 26 be favored. The diameter of the perforation hole 26 is at least 0.5 times the thickness of the fiber composite layer 12.

In FIG. 3 For example, the printing area 20 of the multi-layer structure 11 is shown. For further protection of security-relevant areas such as the print image 19, perforation holes 26 as Edge of the printed image 19 may be provided, so that when attempting to detach the printed image 19, the entire edge region of the printed image 19 has uncontrolled break points.

In FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment to FIG. 3 shown. In this embodiment, for example, it is provided that in the entire printing area 19 perforation holes 26 are formed, in which after connecting the layers 12, 14, 15 formed by fiber bonding webs 27 by lamination and / or gluing.

Furthermore, it can alternatively be provided that, to connect the upper and lower layers 14, 15, the fiber composite layer 12 is impregnated with an adhesion promoter and the layers 14, 15 are joined together and form connecting webs 27 of the fiber composite layer 12. The use of an adhesion promoter has the advantage that the layers 14, 15 may also differ from each other and yet a positive connection between the upper and lower layers 14, 15 can be created.

At the in FIGS. 3 and 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the impregnation of the fiber composite layer 12 can be provided both inside and outside the printed image 19 or within the entire printing area 20.

It is understood that the layer 14, 15 may also be formed by two or more layers.

• 11. Multi-layer composite
• 12. fiber composite layer
• 13. Datasheet
• 14th shift
• 15th shift
• 16. Data page
• 17th title page
• 18. Name
• 19. Print image
• 20. Pressure range
• 21. Tipping picture
• 22. Guilloche
• 23. Data field
• 26. perforation holes
• 27. Connecting webs
• 29th break point
• 31. Predetermined breaking point
• 33. Potting compound

Claims (15)

1. A multilayer composite for a security document and/or document of value, comprising at least one data sheet (13) having a data page (16) and a title page (17), including at least one fibre composite layer (12) and at least one layer (14, 15) made of a thermoplastic polymer and applied to the data page (16) and the title page (17) of said fibre composite layer (12), said fibre composite layer (12) comprising perforation holes (26) in which connecting elements (27) are formed when the fibre composite layer (12) and the layers (14, 15) are interconnected, characterised in that the thickness of the layer (14, 15) is 0.5 times to 1.5 times the diameter or minimum width of the at least one perforation hole (26), or 0.5 times to 1.5 times the diameter or minimum width of the at least one connecting element (27) in said fibre composite layer (12).
2. The multilayer composite as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the diameter or minimum width of said perforation holes (26) is at least 0.5 times the thickness of the fibre composite layer (12), in particular 1 to 4 times the thickness of said fibre composite layer (12).
3. The multilayer composite as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the perforation holes (26) are realised with an identical diameter or an identical geometry.
4. The multilayer composite as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the fibre composite layer (12) consists of a substrate of randomly entangled fibres, made of natural and/or synthetic fibres.
5. The multilayer composite as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the perforation holes (26) formed in the fibre composite layer (12) are provided adjacent to a printed image (19) applied to said fibre composite layer (12) and/or are provided within said printed image (19).
6. The multilayer composite as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fibre composite layer (12) is impregnated, at least in some regions, with a casting compound (33) designed for changing the degree of opacity of the fibre composite layer (12) and preferably, depending on the proportion of the casting compound (33) locally applied to the fibre composite layer (12), the degree of opacity of said fibre composite layer (12) is changed able to such an extent that said fibre composite layer (12) will become virtually transparent.
7. The multilayer composite as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the fibre composite layer (12) is impregnated with a transparent casting compound (33), and in that the fibres of the fibre composite layer (12) have an index of refraction which is approximately equal to, or identical to, the index of refraction of the casting compound (33).
8. The multilayer composite as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that at least the portion of the fibre composite layer (12) covered by the printed image (19), or the portion adjacent thereto, is impregnated, at least in some regions in the flat direction of extension of the data sheet (13) and across the entire thickness of the fibre composite layer (12), with the casting compound (33).
9. The multilayer composite as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the casting compound (33) consists of a thermoplastic polymer or of a transparent, cross-linked polymer such as acrylate or polyurethane, and in that it preferably contains materials selected from the group consisting of colour pigments, effect pigments, optically variable pigments, and at least one of luminescence substances or pigments and fluorescence substances or pigments.
10. A method of fabricating a multilayer composite (11) for a security document and/or document of value which comprises at least one data sheet (13) having a data page (16) and a title page (17),

    - in which the fibre composite layer (12) has perforation holes (26) formed therein which penetrate said fibre composite layer (12),

    - in which a printed image (19) is applied to the fibre composite layer (12) within a print area (20),

    - in which at least one layer (14, 15) is supplied to a data page (16) and a title page (17) of the fibre composite layer (12) and is stacked thereon,

    - in which the layers (14, 15) and the fibre composite layer (12) are laminated or bonded together and connecting elements (27) are formed within the perforation holes (26), characterised in that the diameter or minimum width of the perforation holes (26) formed in the fibre composite layer (12) is determined depending on the thickness of the layers (14, 15), and in that the thickness of the layer (14, 15) is 0.5 times to 1.5 times the diameter or minimum width of said at least one perforation hole (26), or is 0.5 times to 1.5 times the diameter or minimum width of said at least one connecting element (27).
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the fibre composite layer (12) is impregnated with a binder or the latter is spread on the fibre composite layer (12) or in that a filler, in particular, kaolin, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, is applied to the fibre composite layer (12) .
12. The method as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that at least the portion of the fibre composite layer (12) covered by the printed image (19) is impregnated, at least in some regions, with a casting compound (33) designed for locally changing the degree of opacity of the fibre composite layer (12), thus forming a transparent see-through feature.
13. The method as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that prior to the impregnation of the fibre composite layer (12) with the casting compound (33), the fibre composite layer (12) is subjected to a reduction in thickness in the print area (20), in particular by means of pressure exerted on said fibre composite layer (12).
14. The method as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the casting compound (33) is applied to the fibre composite layer (12) by using some printing technology, in particular an inkjet technology.
15. A document of value and/or security document having at least one multilayer composite (11), characterised in that said multilayer composite (11) is realised as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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